Xavier has left Nevermore.
Percy Hynes White, who portrayed Xavier Thorpe in the first season of Netflix’s popular show “Wednesday,” will not be returning for season 2 due to allegations of sexual misconduct against him.
Xavier was a central character in the series and had a potential romantic connection with Wednesday, played by Jenna Ortega, who is 22 years old.
So, how did the show handle his absence in the new season?
In the premiere episode of season 2, the new principal, Barry Dort, portrayed by Steve Buscemi, informs everyone that Xavier has transferred to the “Reichenbach Academy in Switzerland.”
Later, Wednesday receives a present linked to her past friendship, which includes a note from Xavier. He mentions, “I tried texting, but I think I lost the phone I gave you. Think of this as my goodbye gift.”
Xavier adds something intriguing in his note, saying, “Because the image suddenly flashed in my head. Don’t ask how you know what it means. It’s connected to you.”
The first season of “Wednesday” debuted in November 2022, showcasing Wednesday Addams as a teenager navigating life at Nevermore Academy for outcasts.
The show quickly became a massive success for Netflix, becoming the most-watched English series with 252 million views globally, as reported by the Hollywood Reporter.
In January 2023, a Twitter user alleged that White assaulted her at a party she hosted in Toronto, claiming he also attacked another woman and provided minors with girls for sexual encounters.
White issued a statement denying these claims, stating that a person with whom he had no contact had started a “campaign of misinformation” about him on social media. In an Instagram post in June 2023, he expressed his distress over these “false” and “harmful” rumors, emphasizing how they could undermine trust in actual victims.
In May 2024, Netflix confirmed that White would not be returning for the series but did not specify if the allegations were the cause.
In a September interview with Vanity Fair, Ortega described the situation surrounding White’s departure as a “strange redirect,” though she noted that the expansion of characters might make the overall story remain cohesive.
“Wednesday” has already been renewed for a third season, and season 2, part 1, is currently streaming on Netflix, with part 2 expected to premiere on September 3rd.
